Who are the members of the Prehab team?

Physiotherapist

The physiotherapist assesses physical functioning including general mobility, walking, movement of the affected joint, strength, flexibility, and balance.  The physiotherapist may prescribe an individualized exercise program for you to participate in to reach your health goals.  Current equipment needs will be assessed and mobility aids may be trialed and prescribed.  The physiotherapist will work with you to create a healthy, active lifestyle suitable to your capabilities and needs.  

Occupational Therapist

The occupational therapist helps you increase your ability to perform self-care activities and maintain a productive life and a level of leisure.   The occupational therapist will assist you in creating a safe and supportive home environment prior to surgery.  You may be prescribed assistive devices to help you manage your daily activities.  The goal is to help you participate in activities that are meaningful to you and to promote your well-being.

Dietitian

The dietitian identifies nutrition challenges, assesses nutritional status, develops care plans, and monitors the effectiveness of dietary changes.  The dietitian in the Prehab team specializes in weight control, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and other identified nutritional needs.  The goal is to help you improve your nutritional well-being, and enhance personal control of health.

Clinical Resource Nurse

The clinical resource nurse (CRN) gathers the information needed for you to progress through the Prehab Clinic. The CRN ensures that all medical tests ordered by the Prehab Doctor are completed and recommended plans made by other team members are reviewed and carried out.  The CRN relays the relevant information and recommendations to you, your surgeon's office, your family doctor and the Pre-Admission Clinic, as required.

Pharmacist

The pharmacist reviews health issues and medications, evaluating each prescription and over-the-counter treatment for appropriateness, safety and effectiveness.  Those who might benefit most from working with a pharmacist are individuals who have multiple medical conditions, are taking many medications, could improve coping with pain, or are elderly.

Social Worker

The social worker provides you with an opportunity to discuss your emotional and social well-being and explore options for support.  The social worker also assists you in accessing community resources such as counseling services, income assistance programs and/or resources for housing, and transportation.  The goal is to work with you to promote optimal social and emotional health.

Medical Doctor

The medical doctor conducts a physical assessment to evaluate your health prior to the proposed surgery.  Surgical risk related to your medical conditions and risk reduction strategies will be discussed.  Recommendations may include improvements in controlled medical conditions or overall physical condition.  The goal is to improve your overall condition prior to surgery.

Psychologist

The psychologist assess how you are managing pain and other health challenges, and considers your emotional health. The psychologist specializes in therapeutic approaches for pain management and chronic health conditions that do not involve medication, using behavioral tools such as relaxation training and stress reduction strategies. The skills that are learned can help you with pain, and help you to increase your involvement in activities that are important to you, both before and after surgery.